2020 NFL combine: Day one winners and losers

Day one of the NFL Combine is in the books, with the tight ends, quarterbacks, and wide receivers taking the field to testing and drills. Raju Byfield takes a look at the biggest winners and losers from day one

The NFL Combine is one of the most exciting times of the year, and the 2020 NFL Combine did not disappoint. Every year there are players we describe as winners and losers, as some players see their draft stocks rise or fall. In some cases their stock stays neutral while others around them see spikes in their own values.

There were a number of notable headlines and standout performances from day one of the NFL Combine, but not all of them qualify as surprises. Henry Ruggs ran a blazing fast 4.27 in the 40 yard dash, but that was not unexpected. He was the favorite to challenge John Ross’ NFL Combine record of 4.22. The other favorite was Jalen Reagor of TCU. Reagor added some weight, and did not look as explosive in the track setting. He will look to improve his time at his pro day.

The two top receivers in this draft class Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb looked as good as advertised in the 40 and in the drills, cementing themselves in the top two of what is likely every draft board in the NFL. Jeudy impressed with his speed, while Lamb showed that his penchant for big plays travels with him to settings like the NFL Combine.

Quez Watkins was terrific in the 40 yard dash, but no one was very surprised as he was a big play threat for Southern Mississippi who looked just as explosive on film. Laviska Shenault ran a solid 4.58 in the 40 yard dash. Some may have hoped that he would time faster, but Shenault’s game was never predicated on elite game speed. He timed well for his size and remains a first round prospect. Now that we have gotten which players do not belong on this list out of the way, lets dig in on the players who qualify as the 2020 NFL Combine’s biggest winners and losers.